Anton Du Beke shares his ‘greatest fear’ about his career
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has revealed he has taken up a pantomime role at a theatre near his home in order to avoid a “disastrous” Christmas where work would have taken him away from his family.
The BBC star will shortly take to the stage at New Victoria Theatre in Woking to star as Smee in their upcoming pantomime production of Peter Pan and he is excited for his children to see the show.
In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, Anton explained he is relieved to be working so close to home so that he can spend more time with his wife Hannah Summers and their two twins George and Henrietta.
The 57-year-old performer confirmed his family would be coming to support him in the pantomime, revealing: “The reason I wanted to play this theatre is because it’s not too far from where I live.
“So that was really the draw to it and I love the theatre anyway – I’ve played it many, many times with my own shows.
READ MORE: Strictly’s Anton Du Beke would pick ‘none’ of the pros to join him as judge
“So I’m very fond of that theatre,” he reiterated. “It’s not too far from home, which is great because the children are so young.
“And it means I’m still here for Christmas and I haven’t got to be in Sunderland or Newcastle or Blackpool, where I’d have to be away for months.
“That would be a disaster,” Anton confessed. “I wouldn’t see them at all through Christmas.
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“So the role is right, the theatre is right, the children will love it and I’ll be at home for Christmas!” he concluded happily.
Asked about taking on the comedic role of Smee, Anton reflected: “I’m trying to think if there’s anything I wouldn’t do panto-wise… there isn’t really.
“But I think I’ll always be inclined to play the kind of Buttons or Smee role…
“I don’t think I could be like Craig [Revel Horwood] and play the Wicked Stepmother – or Hook either.”
Anton’s fellow Strictly judge Craig is taking on the role of the Wicked Stepmother in Wimbledon Theatre’s pantomime production of Cinderella this year.
“So I think I’m always inclined to play the Buttons role, if you like,” Anton continued. “I think Smee is of that ilk and I think that’s more up my street.”
You can watch Anton in what he has described as a “magical” pantomime production of Peter Pan at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking between December 8 2023 and January 7 2024. Buy tickets here.
Strictly Come Dancing continues this Saturday at 7.25pm on BBC One.
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